We're here to help

Hepatitis doesn't have to be scary—we're here to help. TPAN currently offers the following HCV services:

HCV Prevention

EPIC

EPIC (Empowering Positive Innovative Change) is a group intervention program meant to reduce substance use, increase knowledge of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C status, and provide better access to primary care services for HIV and hepatitis conditions. The target population is black men who have sex with men (MSM), ages 18–29, and MSM age 30 and over.

Lifeline

Lifeline is an innovative program that allows participants to learn and master HIV and HCV risk-reducing behaviors, while receiving referrals to quality healthcare. Besides goal-setting and health education, Lifeline helps clients to access social service and community resources, which help to mitigate health disparities. Eligible Lifeline clients are asked if they would like to participate during their HIV and/or hepatitis C (HCV) test session.

HART (Health Access Resource Team)

Offered in conjunction with the Chicago Recovery Alliance, TPAN’s needle exchange program provides safe and legal needle exchange and distribution of sterile injection equipment (cotton, alcohol pads and cookers). Exchange is available during TPAN's regularly scheduled hours on an as-needed, walk-in basis. Used syringes are disposed of in accordance with established biohazardous waste standards.

HOTTER

As part of TPAN’s HOTTER program (Healthy Outcomes Through Treatment, Empowerment, and Recovery), participants receive counseling to reduce HIV and substance use risk and access to treatment for individuals with co-existing behavioral health, HIV, and hepatitis conditions. The HOTTER program include 3 weekly sessions and an overnight retreat. Eligible participants are African-American men who have sex with men (MSM) between the ages of 18-29.

HCV Testing Services

TPAN offers free, rapid testing at multiple locations across Chicago, and additional testing services—hepatitis C (HCV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI)—at our office. Testing is open to everyone, and includes pre- and post-test counseling. Couples testing sessions are also available. Test results in about 20 minutes.

HCV Treatment

Primary care assistance

TPAN’s on-site primary care clinic provides HCV confirmatory tests and prescriptions for HCV treatment. To schedule an appointment, call 773-388-1600.

Medication information

Read Positively Aware’s annual Hepatitis Drug Guide. Published and updated each July, the 5th annual edition includes resources and medication information for HBV and HCV.
If you have any questions about hepatitis, reach out to TPAN’s Prevention team for more information at (773) 989-9400. 

Resources

TPAN’s friends at Project Inform offer a free HELP-4-HEP hepatitis C hotline:
877-HELP-4-HEP (877-435-7443)
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. EST

Additional resources on HCV transmission and treatment are available in Positively Aware: